Futaba 3PK Synth Module?!?!

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Ok, well I still can't find anything CONCRETE about a synth module coming out for the actual 3PK. Rhumor has it that Novak is supposedly making one for that particular transmitter, but nobody can say for certain.

I found the new 3PM stuff on both tower and some other sites, but the modules dont appear to be for the 3PK. RC-Mushroom has all of them listed too.

Problem being, the HiTec Spectra module is not licensed to be used in the 3PK, although it works flawlessly. I ran almost the whole summer and fall of last year with no problems. So now its time to go run at a track, and I'm probably NOT going to be allowed to run that setup because of F.C.C. constraints.

Out of the whole thing that aggrevates me the most, Futaba actually COPIED the ENTIRE setup to accommodate that module to a 'T'! The HiTec module is not only a one of a kind, but awkward in size and has pins that MUST BE configured properly to mate with a radio transmitter and be functional. Is it coincidence that it fits AND works? Grrrrrrrr.....

So you can see the frustration. I have a fully functional synth 3PK, but its against the F.C.C. to use!

I'm going to call Futaba, Novak and HiTec today and see if I can get the lowdown on what, when, where and why.

I'll keep everyone posted on what my findings are.

-Chris

 

[SkyMaxx]

Where does the FCC come into play on this? Why would that set up be against any kind of FCC regulation? If it is for that set up, is the HiTec set up against the FCC also?

The whole FCC thing is losing me.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Its a licensing 'fee' issue as best I can tell. If you read the documentation for both the Futaba 3PK as well as for the HiTec Spectra module, they BOTH say the same thing. THIS DEVICE CAN ONLY BE OPERATED IN THE UNIT IT WAS SOLD WITH (for the Spectra) and IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OPERATE ANY OTHER MODULE IN YOUR FUTABA 3PK, ASIDE FROM ONES MADE FOR THIS UNIT.

Something along those lines.

No luck today, looks like I will have to follow up on Monday.

 

[Candyman]

Funny thing about FCC regs. According to the strict line of the FCC, you're not allowed to change crystals in your transmitter unless you're certified to do so. So I'd assume using a different synth module would fall somewhere close to that ruling....

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Yeah, its all bullshit if you ask me.

Its all about the MONEY at the end of the day. If Futaba Licensed the Spectra module (which I believe is made by Novak) then it would have been fine. Not likely that Futaba would license a competitors product if you ask me.

But what is really going to frost my ass is when Futaba releases their own (again made by Novak) then I can use THAT ONE and THAT ONE ONLY!

At 100$ a pop, it pisses me off!

I could be wrong about any of this. I'm basing this all on MULTIPLE people who SHOULD BE in the know, and my in length discussions with them. Including a licensed ham radio operator/owner etc.. who also is sick into R.C..

My goal is to get the straight and narrow right from the manufacturers. In fact, I'm going to draft a letter in writing so I can post it here, along with the responses, if I get them.

 

[SkyMaxx]

So, the Spectra module for the HiTec and the Futaba are identical? Then who the heck is going to know any different. They operate the same way. Unless you plan on stopping by the FCC home office and saying look at what I've got, don't sweat it. Even then, I think they would be hard pressed to do anything other than say..."that looks like a synth module."

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

"Non-Futaba brand modules are not FCC certified for use with this radio and therefore are against FCC regulation to use."

Thats right out of the Futaba 3PK manual.

I am and will continue to use it, my concern is why I am breaking any regulation?!?!?!

I just want answers. Thats all.

 

[SkyMaxx]

Sounds like something only FUTABA can answer. As far as I can tell, they are simply trying to keep the money from going to a competitor.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Its about the money alright. Maybe some company pride too.

 

[DarthRacer]

Chris, don't worry about it.
Ask your HAM buddy how many CB operators run legal wattage radios. A lot of them are actually HAMs converted to run at 11 meter/CB frequencies. Linear amps are common place back in my old hood.

I'd only worry if the place you plan on racing actually cares about what is written in those manuals. As long as you're not causing interference with other radios, I think it'd be all good.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Well I went and ran today and didnt have a single problem at the track. Ill see how it goes on race night this Saturday. Epic Center by the way is where I'm racing. Indoor Electrics.

Which Ill add, my car is dialed in like a motha! Full throttle the whole track and I dont break loose, not once! Woohoo!

 

[Candyman]

Originally posted by Çh®i§tiªñ
Which Ill add, my car is dialed in like a motha! Full throttle the whole track and I dont break loose, not once! Woohoo!

Yeah, but were you going faster than the rest of the competition????

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Well, its stock class, soooo.....

But my batteries held full power for the entire time limit for each qual and what the mains will be this Saturday.

Ill post the results for certain, even if I'm last in the E main lol